How can I order a good meal without speaking Chinese? →
Choose a restaurant with photographs or visible dishes, then order by pointing to the exact item and portion.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Food & everyday life
Order what you want and enjoy the ordinary details.
16 answers
How do I eat vegetarian or vegan in China? →
For vegan meals, say exactly which ingredients you exclude and ask about stock, sauces, eggs and dairy.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Can I order food delivery in China without a Chinese phone number? →
Yes, it can work: a traveller reported successful orders through Alipay’s “takeout” entry in October 2026 after the standalone Meituan app failed with their overseas number.
Checked 10 Oct 2026How do I get food delivered to my hotel? →
Ask the hotel where deliveries must be left, then use that exact address and pickup instruction in the order.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Why does a translated Chinese menu sound strange? →
Use a translated menu to identify the dish, then confirm its ingredients with the Chinese name or picture still visible.
Checked 26 Sept 2026What should I try for a first local breakfast in Shanghai? →
Start with steamed buns or wontons near your morning route, and order one small selection before adding more.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How should I order hotpot if I do not eat very spicy food? →
Order a non-spicy broth, or a split pot with one non-spicy side, if you do not enjoy strong heat.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Is a famous restaurant worth a long queue? →
Set a maximum wait before you join a famous restaurant queue and keep a nearby backup.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How do I find local restaurants without relying on viral videos? →
Search around the place you will actually be at mealtime, then compare the menu, recent photographs and exact branch.
Checked 26 Sept 2026What should I know about public toilets in China? →
Carry tissues and find a suitable toilet before a long transfer or outdoor visit.
Checked 26 Sept 2026What makes a good souvenir or small gift from China? →
Choose a small gift you can explain and carry easily: tea you have tasted, a useful textile or a well-packed craft item.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How can I eat in China with a peanut allergy? →
Carry a specific peanut-allergy card, discuss ingredients and preparation before ordering, and follow your prescribed emergency plan.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How can I eat gluten-free in China with coeliac disease? →
Choose meals whose ingredients and preparation can be confirmed gluten-free, including sauces and shared utensils.
Checked 26 Sept 2026What should I do if I get diarrhoea while travelling in China? →
Rest, drink fluids in small frequent amounts and ask a pharmacist about oral rehydration salts.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Is it safe to try wild mushrooms in Yunnan? →
Choose cultivated mushrooms if you want the simpler, lower-risk meal.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Are market prices quoted per jin or per kilogram, and how do I calculate the bill? →
One jin is 500 grams, so one kilogram is two jin.
Checked 26 Sept 2026